2009 BMW M3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 13%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 BMW M3, 13% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While trying to exit my e92 2009 M3 from inside the vehicle by double pulling the handle it would not unlock the car. The locking bolt sticks up partially when you pull the handle but doesn't unlock. I had to hit the lock button from the dashboard to unlock the car. This is a safety concern if you are panicked and can't get out of the vehicle under heavy stress.”
NHTSA complaint #10701509, filed 2015-03, 36,800 miles“Shortly after purchasing my Bmw 2009 M3, I noticed a rare but very disturbing pattern on take off. I had car checked in dealer and I was told it was likely secondary to my driving style! This uncontrolled take off is like hi rev and rapid acceleration periodically alternating with deceleration for few seconds. I had this happen prob a dozen time so far(36k on car). On day of my accident, in stop and go traffic with speed less than 5 miles per hour, car literally went off on me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428888, filed 2011-10, 36,300 miles“400 miles out of warranty, the electrical system fault warning began to come on. When this happens all gauges bottom out quickly then return to normal. Sometimes, the restraint system, edc or other warnings will start. I don't experience any problems driving the vehicle. The battery has been replaced and alternator has been tested and is performing as it should. When connected to the Bmw computer for error codes it doesn't show any codes or that the warnings have gone off. I have driven it for 18000 miles trying to find just one common thing that will make this happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560764, filed 2014-01, 50,400 miles“Vehicle would not start and all electrical systems were dead despite a good battery. Was solved by removing glove box and fus box and pushing on the battery cable that goes into the fuse box to get a connection. This is a know issue for Bmw and a recall was issued on other 3-series vehicles (2007 - 2011) with the same part numbers, but will not cover M3. This is a safety issue as loss of power to fuse box while driving can shut down the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10991274, filed 2017-05, 58,500 miles“The contact owns a 2009 BMW M3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side turn signal failed to illuminate. Additionally, the headlights and dashboard lights would flicker on and off. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the electrical wiring insulation was frayed and damaged. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11427001, filed 2021-07, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V472000Jun 19, 2019BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan…Covers: BMW M3 2008–2012, 335D 2009–2011, 328I 2009 +1 more
- 17V676000Oct 25, 2017BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i…Covers: BMW M3 2006–2011, 325I 2006–2011, 328I 2006–2011 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10211864Mar 1, 2022The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10162431Jul 10, 2019"Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the…
- 10162406Jul 10, 2019Power Mirrors and/or Windows are Inoperative. The power windows and/or power mirrors are inoperative. The LED on the headlight switch is flashing. There is a check control…
- 10162404Jul 10, 2019"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10150894Sep 1, 2018?RETRACTABLE HARDTOP STATUS REQUEST SUPPLEMENT. INFORMATION Documents have been developed showing the known correct statuses for all hall sensors and micro switches used to…
- 10149256May 1, 2017Interrupted supply of power to the vehicle. ? Initial vehicle entry / engine ignition may not function. ? Intermittent power failure during a journey may cause:o Instrument…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 11% |
| 2013 | 2 | 15% |
| 2011 | 7 | 23% |
| 2010 | 1 | 7% |
| 2009 | 6 | 13% |
| 2008 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 10% |
| 1998 | 2 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2009 BMW M3
24 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW M3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology